Improving Blood Pressure Through a Multimodal Intervention

Author

• Kalynn Solomey, Valparaiso University

Date of Award

5-6-2026

Degree Type

Evidence-Based Project Report

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Melissa Toulios

Abstract

Hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and remains a significant public health concern in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023a). Despite the availability of effective pharmacological therapies, many patients struggle to achieve adequate blood pressure control, highlighting the need for accessible, evidence-based lifestyle interventions. An extensive literature search of five databases provided 11 articles for utilization. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of a multimodal intervention that included hypertension education, individualized lifestyle counseling, self-measured blood pressure training, and a progressive walking program in reducing systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and waist circumference among adults with hypertension in a primary care setting. Guided by the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice model, this project used a pre- and post-intervention design with data collected at baseline, 5 weeks, and 10 weeks. Ten participants from Jasper County, Indiana completed the 10-week intervention. Descriptive statistics and paired-samples t-tests were used to evaluate changes in SBP, DBP, waist circumference, and weekly walking minutes. Results demonstrated statistically and clinically significant improvements across all outcomes. SBP decreased by an average of 23.3 mmHg (p = .001) and DBP by 7.4 mmHg (p = .001). Waist circumference decreased by 4.0 cm (p = .012), and participants increased their weekly walking minutes by an average of 188.6 minutes (p = .006). These findings exceed improvements reported in the literature for lifestyle interventions alone and suggest that combining structured physical activity with individualized education may produce complimentary benefits. This project highlights the feasibility, accessibility, and clinical value of implementing a walking-based lifestyle intervention within primary care.

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Recommended Citation

Solomey, Kalynn, "Improving Blood Pressure Through a Multimodal Intervention" (2026). Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports. 221.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/ebpr/221